## Why

Why should you use text-to-speech (TTS) technology with your learners? Learners use various learning methodologies: Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic. ReadSpeaker TTS technology combines two methodologies (auditory and visual) to help learners retain information more effectively. Learners who use two senses, or bimodal learning, have been shown to help retain information.

## Who

The learners who use bimodal learning are trying to engage with the curriculum. They may be language learners, have dyslexia or dysgraphia, experience fluency or phonological challenges, and more. These learners need help removing the barriers between them and the curriculum. TTS technology helps. This is great for everyone since TTS users are using two modes of engagement - sight and hearing.

## What

Encourage all learners to explore the TTS to find out how it works best for them. Without encouragement from you, they may not realize that:

1. the TTS technology is present
2. that is beneficial to them
3. that it is easy to use.

## How

The “how” is the easy part. Demonstrate how to use the Listen button in the classroom.

#### Option 1

- - Highlight some material in a lesson.
  - Click “Listen.”
  - Tell the students they can change the highlighting colors and Reading Voice.

#### Option 2

- - Navigate to a Quiz, Assignment, or Discussion or any other place you see the "Listen" player
  - Click “Listen.”
  - Tell the students they can change the highlighting colors and Reading Voice.

#### Option 3

- - Navigate to a Document
  - Identify the view that you are using and follow the instructions below. You will have a link to the definition page to access these steps in future lessons.

#### Brightspace Classic View

- - Begin by clicking on the document's name in Content.
  - Click on the for a drop-down menu to the right of the document heading.
  - Select “Open with docReader.” The document is now open in docReader.

- - - NOTE: The “Open with docReader” button at the bottom of all Content items can yield an error message if the item is not a document. To avoid confusing learners, use the rule of thumb at the bottom of this file.

#### Brightspace New Content Experience:

- - Click on the document's name
  - Click on the speaker, , in the upper right-hand corner of the document, and the document will open in docReader.

- - When opening docReader in the new view, the lower toolbar is shown by clicking on the hamburger, , the three horizontal lines. The new view of Brightspace, with the lower toolbar expanded, is shown in the image below.

##

#### Brightspace New Learner Experience:

- - Click on the document's name
  - Click on the "Open docReader" () tool in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

- - Click “Listen.”
  - Tell the students they can change the highlighting colors and Reading Voice.

Learners will gain confidence to begin exploring the tool.

Proceed to OCR Section if Licensed

Proceed to the Page Mask and Ruler Section if you do not have the docReader OCR